2024 ended with a bang, with yet another California jury issuing a staggering award in an employment discrimination lawsuit. This time, a San Diego jury granted more than $11 million to a medical screener at a plasma donation facility in Roque v. Octapharma Plasma, Inc. The 74-year-old plaintiff claimed her employer failed to accommodate her back pain by denying her the use of a chair during medical screenings. She also alleged that her termination was the result of age discrimination. While not the largest verdict in a California workplace lawsuit – previous cases we’ve tracked have resulted in even higher payouts – the $11.2 million award stands out for surpassing eight figures despite the plaintiff receiving no financial compensation for lost wages or benefits. FEATURED VERDICT San Diego Jury Hands Down $11 Million Verdict in Workplace Bias Case
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KRISTEN J. NESBIT Co-Regional Managing Partner Los Angeles
Co-chair, California Litigation Practice Group
The breakdown of damages included:
KARL R. LINDEGREN
$1.05 million for physical pain; $1.155 million for emotional distress (despite the plaintiff never seeking treatment for it); and $9 million in punitive damages.
Partner Irvine/Los Angeles/Portland, OR
Co-chair, California Litigation Practice Group
And that’s not even mentioning the substantial attorneys’ fee award the plaintiff will most likely soon recover.
BENJAMIN M. EBBINK Partner Sacramento/Washington, D.C.
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